News Releases
Largest year-over-year monthly increase in capacity since December 2006
CALGARY, May 5 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today announced April traffic
results with a load factor of 82.5 per cent. This was accompanied by a
capacity increase of 21.1 per cent, measured in available seat miles, and an
improvement in revenue passenger miles of 20.5 per cent.
WestJet President and CEO Sean Durfy commented, "Given our 21.1 per cent
increase in capacity, we are very pleased with April's strong load factor.
Even with Easter falling in March this year, these results are a good start to
the second quarter. This success is attributable to our healthy brand, engaged
WestJetters and effective revenue management.
"With spring finally here, we are now moving flights away from winter sun
spots and into our domestic schedule. Thank you to all of our WestJetters for
a very successful 2008 to date; their passion and caring are at the root of
our achievements."
<<
April 2008 Traffic Results
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 2008 April 2007 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load Factor 82.5% 82.8% (0.3 pts.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available Seat Miles
(ASM) 1.368 billion 1.130 billion 21.1%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue Passenger
Miles (RPM) 1.129 billion 0.937 billion 20.5%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-to-date 2008 Year-to-date 2007 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load Factor 82.1% 81.5% 0.6 pts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available Seat Miles
(ASM) 5.433 billion 4.579 billion 18.7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue Passenger
Miles (RPM) 4.460 billion 3.734 billion 19.4%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
"Our bookings to date for the second quarter point to comparable
year-over-year RASM (revenue per available seat mile)," continued Sean Durfy.
"We are seeing strong demand for Quebec City and Newark, and are encouraged by
the number of bookings we are seeing right now for future travel in the second
quarter."
This disclosure may contain forward-looking statements and are subject
to, and may be affected by, numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which
are beyond WestJet's control. WestJet's results may differ materially from
those expressed in or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or
contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: changes in
government policy, exchange rates, interest rates, disruption of supplies,
volatility of fuel prices, terrorism, general economic conditions, the
competitive environment and other factors described in WestJet's public
reports and filings. Forward-looking statements are subject to change and
WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking
information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering
scheduled service throughout its 47-city North American and Caribbean network.
Named Canada's most admired corporate culture in 2005, 2006 and 2007, WestJet
pioneered high-value low-cost flying in Canada. With increased legroom and
leather seats on its modern fleet of 74 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft,
and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu, WestJet strives to be
the number one choice for travellers.